Bjergsen is the Key Ingredient to TSM’s Success

“The greatest successes come after experiencing our worst failures.”

After a disappointing 2018, TSM have something to prove coming into next season. Unfortunately, they didn’t attend worlds after losing to Cloud9 in the regional gauntlet. This marks the first time the team did not play at Worlds since its conception.

Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg is the nucleus of Team Solo Mid and he must lead the charge. This upcoming season will be a year of redemption for the experienced Danish mid-laner.

Source: Riot Games

The Rise of a Legend

Upon his arrival in the professional scene, Bjergsen received high praise for his mechanical skill given he was only 17 years old. After receiving a pentakill in his first LCS victory, it was no surprise that he could become a great player. However, Bjergsen did not want this sort of attention. Coming from a background of being bullied and isolated as a child, he simply played the game as an escape.

“I didn’t want the fame, I didn’t want to be interviewed. I didn’t want people from back home knowing what I was doing, because I had this belief that gaming was frowned upon in society… Who would want to be a fan of a nerd, a dropout who was bullied in school…”

On November 2, 2013, Bjergsen decided to move to America and join TSM replacing their previous mid laner, Reginald. Upon his arrival, TSM cemented themselves as North America’s most dominant organization. Displaying selflessness and strong communication, Bjergsen finally began to shake off the demons of his past.

Since season 4, TSM won multiple splits and qualified for every World Championship until this past year. Not only this, Bjergsen is also a 4-time NA LCS MVP, having more than double the award of any past candidate.

Hitting a Wall

Aside from the IEM Season 9 World Championship, TSM historically underperformed on the international stage. Many speculate what is hindering the team from excelling at Worlds.

Despite having players such as Doublelift, Lustboy, and YellOwStaR, TSM still could not perform internationally. Through these roster iterations, Bjergsen remained as the independent variable. Because of this, the community began to wonder if he was cause to their lack of international success.

Bjergsen hugging former teammate, Doublelift.Source: Riot Games

With the changes to the meta, Bjergsen will need to be the dominant force he once was to bring TSM to victory. Conveniently, the meta now favors longer lane phases and shorter mid-games due to gold bounties. Considering he is a strong laner and can snowball advantages he creates for himself, next year will be great for him.